Controlling uplink and downlink transmission power during asynchronous switching of control states by user equipment

ABSTRACT

A network node is disclosed that communicates with a user equipment node in a communications system. The network node repetitively transmits first uplink transmission power control, TPC, commands on a first physical channel with a first channel configuration while repetitively transmitting second uplink TPC commands on a second physical channel with a second channel configuration. The first and second uplink TPC commands control uplink transmission power from the user equipment node to the network node. Related user equipment nodes and methods are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/176,884, filed Jul. 6, 2011, which itself claims priority toPCT International Application No. PCT/SE2011/050915, filed Jul. 6, 2011,the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference asif set forth fully herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to communications networks. Moreparticularly, and not by way of limitation, the present invention isdirected to communications systems and methods that control uplink anddownlink transmission power between network nodes and user equipmentnodes.

BACKGROUND

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) is a mobile radio accessnetwork standard specified by a 3rd Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) and used in third generation wireless data/tele-communicationsystems.

An example third generation communications system 100 is shown inFIG. 1. The system 100 includes a plurality of user equipment nodes(UEs) 110 that communicate with a Node B 120 through a radio airinterface. The Node B 120 is controlled by a radio network controller(RNC) 130 and connected to a core network 140.

An enhanced uplink transmission capability from the UEs 110 to the NodeB 120 was introduced in release 6 to 3GPP WCDMA. The enhanced uplinkprovides improved uplink packet-data support with reduced round tripdelay, high bit-rate availability and increased cell capacity. Asdefined by 3GPP WCDMA release 6, during a Radio Resource Control (RRC)state CELL_DCH a network node allocates dedicated resources for each UE110.

When a UE 110 transmits using the enhanced uplink it transmits data andcontrol information on at least 3 physical channels Dedicated PhysicalControl CHannel (DPCCH), Enhanced-DPCCH (E-DPCCH), and EnhancedDedicated Physical Data CHannel (E-DPDCH). The DPCCH transmits pilotbits that are known by the Node B 120 and also Layer 1 controlinformation. The pilot bits are used as a reference by the Node B 120 toestimate the radio channel conditions (e.g. searcher, channelestimation, frequency offset estimation, and signal to interferenceratio). The E-DPCCH transmits control information related to theenhanced dedicated physical data channel. The E-DPDCH transmits the databits.

In 3GPP WCDMA release 8, support for enhanced uplink transmission instate CELL_FACH and IDLE_MODE was introduced. FIG. 2 illustrates two ofthe states, CELL-FACH configuration and CELL_DCH configuration, whichthe UEs 110 and Node B 120 can switch between for communications. In thestates CELL_FACH and CELL_DCH a UE 110 can utilize common enhanceduplink resources that are setup by the network node for transmission ofdata on the E-DPDCH. As the number of smart phones increase incommunication systems, the number of data transmissions of relativelysmall data packets will increase. These data packets may not besufficiently small to be sent on the Random Access Channel which is usedfor data transmission in state CELL_FACH prior to 3GPP WCDMA release 8.The introduction of enhanced uplink in state CELL_FACH can decrease theload on the Random Access Channel.

Enhanced uplink in CELL_FACH may also provide a seamless RRC connectionsetup process through which a transition from the common enhanced uplinkresource (state CELL_FACH) to a dedicated enhanced uplink resource(state CELL_DCH) takes place. In this way the RRC connection setuplatency may be significantly reduced.

While a UE 110 transmits data on the E-DPDCH in state CELL_FACH, itutilizes a common network resource. When the UE 110 needs to make use ofthe resource for a longer time, the Radio Network Controller (RNC) 130can switch the UE 110 from the state CELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCH.When the UE 110 switches, the common resource is released and thenetwork assigns a dedicated resource to the UE 110. For the uplink layer1 processing in the Node B 120, the switch from CELL_FACH to CELL_DCHmay be a timing change, a change of uplink (UL) scrambling code, andpossibly a change in the TTI. There can also be a change in the maximumdata rate and hence a change in signal-to-interference ratio (SIR)target.

When the RNC 130 has decided to switch the UE 110 from the stateCELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCH, referred to as an up-switch, it isdesirable to do the transition as soon as possible. This will reduce thetime that the UE 110 utilizes the common E-DCH resource. The transitioncan be made synchronous or asynchronous. For a synchronous up-switch,the up-switch takes place at a specified Connection Frame Number (CFN)that is decided by the RNC 130. In contrast, the asynchronous up-switchtakes place as soon as the UE 110 can functionally carry out the stateswitch. An asynchronous up-switch can reduce the transition timesignificantly relative to a synchronous up-switch. Therefore, anasynchronous up-switch from the state CELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCHcan be preferable.

In a WCDMA configuration of the system 110, the uplink and downlink arepower controlled. The UE 110 signals to the Node B 120 how it shallregulate its downlink transmission power. In a similar way the Node B120 signals to the UE 110 how it shall regulate its uplink transmissionpower. A new transmit power control (TPC) command is signaled every slot(1500 TPC commands per second).

The Node B 120 can control the UL packet error rate performance and ULinterference by controlling the transmission power of the UE 110. As theUE 110 increases its transmission power the experienced signal tointerference ratio in the Node B 120 will in general increase. Anincreased signal to interference ratio will result in a lower packeterror rate. In this way the Node B 120 can tune the uplink packet errorrate.

FIG. 3 illustrates graphs of transmission power levels and associatedTransmission Power Control (TPC) commands that may be transmitted fromthe Node B 120 to a UE 110 through various dedicated physical channelsand, vice versa, from the UE 110 to the Node B 120 to control thetransmission power levels in the downlink and uplink directions.Referring to FIG. 3, the DPCCH is an UL physical channel which containsknown pilot bits and Layer 1 control information. The Node B 120measures the UL signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) on the DPCCH andcompares it with a target value of the SIR. When the measured SIR isabove the target SIR, the Node B 120 signals to the UE 110 to decreaseits transmission power. When the measured SIR is below the target SIR,the Node B 120 signals to the UE 110 to increase its transmission power.For UEs 110 capable of transmitting enhanced uplink in CELL_FACH, theUL-TPC (Up Link Transmission Power Control) commands are signaled to theUE on the downlink (DL) channel F-DPCH (Fractional Dedicated PhysicalCHannel).

In a similar manner the UE 110 measures the quality of the F-DPCH thatit receives from the Node B 120. When the quality is sufficient the UE110 signals to the Node B 120 that it can decrease the transmissionpower on the F-DPCH. When the quality is not sufficient the UE 110signals to the Node B 120 to increase the transmission power on theF-DPCH. The DL-TPC commands are sent to the network node on the uplinkchannel DPCCH.

The transmission power level of the E-DPCCH and the E-DPDCH may becontrolled in response to a power offset relative to the transmissionpower level of the DPCCH.

US 2009181710 A1 describes how an initial power level is determined totransmit on the DPCCH. The initial power level is determined as thepower used by the wireless transmit/receive unit in the CELL_FACH stateprior to transitioning to the CELL-DCH state.

EP1487131 A1 describes a method in a network for mobiletelecommunications of adjusting the transmission power of a ForwardAccess Channel (FACH) from a base station to a mobile user terminal.When a mobile user terminal transits from a CELL-FACH state to aCELL-DCH state, the initial transmission power to the mobile userterminal in the CELL-DCH state depends upon the last adjustedtransmission power level in the preceding CELL-FACH state.

It is desirable to have a seamless, i.e. no loss of data at layer 1,transition from the state CELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCH. At the sametime it is desirable to have an unsynchronized transition in order toobtain a fast state transition. From a downlink layer 1 perspective, theup-switch can correspond to a change in timing and possibly, channelcode of the F-DPCH. From an uplink layer 1 perspective, the up-switchcan correspond to a change of scrambling code and timing from a channelconfiguration of the first state to the scrambling code and timing of achannel configuration of the second state. The change in timing is thesame in downlink and uplink.

In case of an asynchronous up-switch from the first state to the secondstate (i.e., from the state CELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCH), the newtiming is known by the Node B 120 but the exact switch moment is notknown by the Node B 120. The uplink layer 1 processing in the Node B 120has to detect when the change of scrambling code and timing has takenplace. The detection algorithm needs to perform the detectionsufficiently fast in order not to lose any data that is transmitted onthe E-DPDCH.

Since the Node B 120 does not know the exact switch time, it would bedifficult or not possible to provide efficient transmit power regulationat the moment when the up-switch occurs. Too high of a UE 110transmission power will increase the interference level in thecommunication cell provided by the Node B 120 which will have a negativeeffect on the cell throughput. In contrast, too low of a UE 110transmission power will lead to an increased packet error rate and couldresult in a radio link failure.

In the DL, too high of a transmission power for the F-DPCH to one UE 110will consume DL power resource, which could have been used forcommunication from the Node B 120 or another Node B to other UEs 110.The result could be a decreased cell throughput in the DL. In contrast,too low of a transmission power for the F-DPCH can cause an increasederror rate for the UL-TPC commands, which may result in decreasedperformance in the UL.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to controllinguplink and downlink transmission power between a network node and a UEwhen the network node and UE are switching between states (e.g., fromthe state CELL_FACH to the state CELL_DCH).

In one embodiment, a network node of a communications system includes atransceiver and a controller circuit. The transceiver communicates witha UE. The controller circuit is connected to the transceiver andconfigured to repetitively transmit first uplink transmission powercontrol (TPC) commands on a first physical channel with a first channelconfiguration while repetitively transmitting second uplink TPC commandson a second physical channel with a second channel configuration. Thefirst and second uplink TPC commands control uplink transmission powerfrom the UE to the network node.

Because the network node transmits first uplink TPC commands on thefirst physical channel while transmitting second uplink TPC commands onthe second physical channel, the UE can control its uplink transmissionpower responsive to the first uplink TPC commands while in a firststate. When the UE performs an up-switch to a second state it can beginuplink transmission to the network node at a power that is controlled bythe second uplink TPC commands.

In some more detailed embodiments, the first physical channel may be afirst F-DPCH with a CELL_FACH configuration. The second physical channelmay be a second

F-DPCH with a CELL_DCH configuration and/or a Dedicated Physical ControlCHannel. The controller circuit may receive a message indicating thatthe network node and the UE will up-switch from a first statecontrolling uplink transmission power responsive to the first uplink TPCcommands to a second state controlling uplink transmission powerresponsive to the second uplink TPC commands. The controller circuit mayinitiate the repetitive transmissions of the second uplink TPC commandsin response to receiving a message and while maintaining the repetitivetransmissions of the first uplink TPC commands, and may cease therepetitive transmissions of the first uplink TPC commands responsive toa determination that the UE has switched states.

Another related embodiment is directed to a UE that includes atransceiver and a controller circuit. The transceiver communicates witha network node of a communication system. The controller circuit isconnected to the transceiver to transmit and receive, and is configuredto receive a message from the network node commanding the UE to switchfrom a first state, that controls uplink transmission power to thenetwork node responsive to first uplink TPC commands received on a firstphysical channel with a first channel configuration, to a second state,that controls uplink transmission power to the network node responsiveto second uplink TPC commands received on a second physical channel witha second channel configuration. The controller circuit responds to themessage by beginning uplink transmission at a power that is controlledby the second uplink TPC commands received from the network nodefollowing a UE uplink transmission gap while switching from the firststate to the second state.

In some more detailed embodiments, the controller circuit responds tothe message by ceasing monitoring of the first physical channel for thefirst uplink TPC commands and initiating monitoring of the secondphysical channel for the second uplink TPC commands while switching fromthe first state to the second state. The UE may asynchronously switchfrom the first state to the second state without synchronizing with thenetwork node a timing of when the UE will perform the state switching.The first physical channel may be a first F-DPCH with a CELL_FACHconfiguration, and the second physical channel may be a second F-DPCHwith a CELL_FACH configuration.

Another related embodiment is directed to a method for power control ina network node that communications with a UE in a communications system.The method includes repetitively transmitting first uplink transmissionpower control, TPC, commands on a first physical channel with a firstchannel configuration while repetitively transmitting second uplink TPCcommands on a second physical channel with a second channelconfiguration. The first and second uplink TPC commands control uplinktransmission power from the UE to the network node.

Another related embodiment is directed to a method for power control ina UE that communicates with a network node in a communications system.The method includes receiving a message from the network node commandingthe UE to switch from a first state, that controls uplink transmissionpower to the network node responsive to first uplink TPC commandsreceived on a first physical channel with a first channel configuration,to a second state, that controls uplink transmission power to thenetwork node responsive to second uplink TPC commands received on asecond physical channel with a second channel configuration. In responseto the message, uplink transmission is begun at a power that iscontrolled by the second uplink TPC commands received from the networknode following a UE uplink transmission gap while switching from thefirst state to the second state.

Other network nodes, UEs, and/or methods according to embodiments of theinvention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional network nodes, UEs, and/or methods beincluded within this description, be within the scope of the presentinvention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Moreover, it isintended that all embodiments disclosed herein can be implementedseparately or combined in any way and/or combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiment(s)of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system that regulatesuplink and downlink transmission power between a Node B and userequipment nodes;

FIG. 2 illustrates two of the states of the Node B and a user equipmentnode of the communications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates graphs of transmission power levels and associatedTPC commands that may be transmitted from the Node B to a UE throughdedicated physical channels and vice versa to control the transmissionpower levels in the downlink and uplink directions;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communications system that regulatesuplink and downlink transmission power between a Node B and userequipment nodes according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate operations and methods for controlling uplinktransmission power leading up to, during, and following an up-switchbetween operational states in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate operations and methods for controlling downlinktransmission power leading up to, during, and following an up-switchbetween operational states in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the UE of the communications system ofFIG. 4 that is configured according to some embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the network node of the communicationssystem of FIG. 4 that is configured according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuitshave not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presentinvention.

As explained above, various embodiments of the present invention aredirected to controlling uplink and downlink transmission power between anetwork node (e.g., a Node B) and a UE when the network node and UE areswitching between states (e.g., from the state CELL_FACH to the stateCELL_DCH).

Some embodiments are disclosed in the context of a WCDMA 3GPP thirdgeneration communication system, such as the system 100 of FIG. 1, forease of illustration and explanation only. However, the invention is notlimited thereto as it may be embodied in other types of network nodes,UEs, and communication systems, including, but not limited to, 3GPP LongTerm Evolution (LTE) systems.

An example communications system 400 that is configured according tosome embodiments is shown in FIG. 4. The system 400 includes a pluralityof user equipment nodes (UEs) 410 that communicate with a Node B 420through a radio air interface. The UEs 410 may include mobile telephones(“cellular” telephones), data terminals, and/or other processing deviceswith wireless communication capability, such as, for example, portablecomputers, pocket computers, hand-held computers, laptop computers,electronic book readers, and video game consoles.

The Node B 420 is controlled by a radio network controller (RNC) 130 andis connected to a core network 140. The RNC 130 and the core network 140may be the same as shown in system 100 of FIG. 1. The UEs 410 and Node B420 can be configured to operate as explained above for the UEs 110 andNode B 120 of FIG. 1, except that the UEs 410 and Node B 420 are furtherconfigured to control uplink and downlink transmission power when theNode B 420 and UEs 410 perform an up-switch from the state CELL_FACH tothe state CELL_DCH.

Uplink Power Control

To enable uplink power control during up-switch, the Node B 420repetitively transmits first uplink TPC commands on a first physicalchannel (e.g., a first F-DPCH with a CELL_FACH configuration) whilerepetitively transmitting second uplink TPC commands on a secondphysical channel (e.g., a second F-DPCH with a CELL_DCH configurationand/or a DPCCH with a CELL_DCH configuration). The first and seconduplink TPC commands control uplink transmission power from the UE 410 tothe Node B 420. From a downlink layer 1 perspective, the up-switch maybe a change in timing and possibly, channel code between the CELL_FACHconfiguration to the CELL_DCH. From an uplink layer 1 perspective, theup-switch may be a change of scrambling code, channel code, and/ortiming from the CELL_FACH configuration to the scrambling code, channelcode, and/or timing of the CELL_DCH configuration.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate operations and methods for controlling uplinktransmission power leading up to, during, and following an up-switchbetween operational states (e.g., from the state CELL_FACH to the stateCELL_DCH), which may be unsynchronized, in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a first set ofphysical channels (e.g. F-DPCH, DPCCH, E-DPCCH, and E-DPDCH withCELL_FACH configuration) that are used in the first state and a secondset of physical channels (e.g. F-DPCH, DPCCH, E-DPCCH, and E-DPDCH withCELL_DCH configuration) that are used in the second state, andassociated operations and methods for controlling the first and secondset of physical channels. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of operationsand methods 600 that may be performed by the Node B 420 to performuplink power control during up-switch. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart ofoperations and methods 800 that may be performed by the UE 410 toperform uplink power control during up-switch.

Referring initially to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the Node B 420 and the UE 410are initially in the first state where the Node B 420 repetitivelytransmits (block 602) first UL TPC commands on the F-DPCH with theCELL_FACH configuration. The UE 410 receives (block 802) the first ULTPC commands, and controls (block 804) its uplink transmission power tothe Node B 420. The Node B 420 and the UE 410 each receive a message(blocks 604 and 806) from the radio network controller 130notifying/instructing them to perform an up-switch from the first state(e.g., state CELL_FACH) to the second state (e.g., state CELL_DCH). Infirst state, the UL power from the UE 410 is controlled responsive tothe first UL TPC commands on the F-DPCH with the CELL_FACHconfiguration. In contrast, in the second state the UL power iscontrolled responsive to the second UL TPC commands on the F-DPCH withthe CELL_DCH configuration and/or the DPCCH with the CELL_DCHconfiguration.

The Node B 420 responds to the message by repetitively transmittingsecond UL TPC commands (block 606) on the F-DPCH with the CELL_DCHconfiguration while continuing to repetitively transmit the first UL TPCcommands on the F-DPCH and/or the DPCCH with the CELL_FACHconfiguration. The Node B 420 controls (block 608) values of the secondUL TPC commands responsive to values of the first UL TPC commands.Because the UE 410 does not listen for or react to the second UL TPCcommands until it starts up-switch transitioning from the first state tothe second state, the Node B 420 can start transmitting the second ULTPC commands with values that are defined to provide an efficientinitial uplink transmission by the UE 410 at a target uplinktransmission power level when the UE 410 begins uplink transmissions inthe second state.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of operations and methods 700 that may beperformed by the Node B 420 to cause the UE 410 to perform an initialuplink transmission, after switching to the second state, at a targetuplink transmission power level. The Node B 420 or the RNC 130 maydetermine (block 702) the target uplink transmission power levelresponsive to a present uplink transmission power level in the firststate, and may be further determined responsive to a difference betweenuplink transmission characteristics between the first and second states.For example, the target uplink transmission power level may bedetermined responsive to a present transmission time interval (TTI) ofthe UE 410 in the first state and a planned TTI of the UE 410 in thesecond state, responsive to a change in service (e.g., switch between apacket data service and speech service) provided for the UE 410 betweenthe first and second states, and/or responsive to a change in channelcoding between the first and second states (e.g., transition from PSK toPAM). The target power level may, for example, be increased when the TTIof the second state is smaller than the TTI of the first state to enableuplink data transmission at a higher rate, and/or when the UE 410 istransitioning from voice service to packet data service.

The Node B 420 controls (block 704) values of the second uplink TPCcommands to cause the UE 410 to make the initial uplink transmission inthe second state at the target uplink transmission power level. Becausethe second UL TPC commands are already being transmitted on the F-DPCHand/or the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration while the UE 410 is nottransmitting (during the DPCCH transmission gap), the UE 410 canimmediately start using the second UL TPC commands to control its uplinktransmission power when it begins transmitting in the second state. TheUE 410 can perform detection of the scrambling code of the F-DPCH and/orthe DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration and initialize its TPCtransmission power control loops responsive to the second uplink TPCcommands when it is ready to begin transmitting on the physical channelswith the CELL_DCH configuration at a target uplink transmission powerlevel.

Values of the second uplink TPC commands may be controlled to transitionthe UE 410 from a present uplink transmission power level to the targetuplink transmission power level while the UE 410 is not transmittingwhen switching from the first state to the second state. The transitionbetween the present and target uplink transmission power levels can becontrolled to provide an efficient transition from a presentsignal-to-interference ratio (SIR) level in the first state to a targetSIR level in the second state. The transition may occur abruptly from apresent level to a target level or it may be controlled to occur moregradually according to a defined pattern, such as along a discrete (e.g.series of incremental steps) or continuous linear or nonlinear path.

Referring again to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the UE 410 determines the timingfor when it will perform the up-switch responsive to the receivedmessage. When the UE 410 is ready (e.g., completed a presently queuedtransmission), it ceases UL data transmission (block 808) on the DPCCH,E-DPCCH, and E-DPDCH with the CELL_FACH configuration. The UE 410 alsoceases monitoring (block 810) of the F-DPCH with the CELL_FACHconfiguration.

During the gap in uplink transmissions on the DPCCH, the UE 410 monitors(block 812) the F-DPCH and/or the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configurationto receive the second UL TPC commands. The UE 410 switches (block 814)from the first state to the second state, and may perform the switchwithout synchronizing with the Node B 420 a timing of when the UE 410will perform the up-switch (i.e., unsynchronized up-switch). The UE 410begins uplink transmissions (block 816) to the Node B 420 on the DPCCHwith the CELL_DCH configuration while controlling transmission powerlevel responsive to the second UL TPC commands. The UE 410 may at thesame time or later begin uplink transmissions to the Node B 420 on theE-DPCCH and the E-DPDCH with the CELL_DCH configuration. Thetransmission power level on the E-DPCCH and the E-DPDCH may becontrolled based on a defined offset power level relative to a powerlevel of the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration.

The Node B 420 detects (block 610) a reliable transmission from the UE410 on the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration, which indicates thatthe UE 410 has switched from the first state to the second state. TheNode B 420 responds to the detection by ceasing transmission (block 612)of the first UL TPC commands while continuing repetitive transmissions(block 614) of the second UL TPC commands. Alternatively oradditionally, the Node B 420 may cease transmission of the first UL TPCcommands on the F-DPCH with the CELL_FACH state in response to a radiolink failure on the uplink physical channel with the CELL_FACH statefrom the UE 410.

Values of the second UL TPC commands are controlled (block 616)responsive to conditions of the UL channel from the UE 410 to the Node B420. For example, values of the second UL TPC commands may be controlledresponsive to SIR estimates on signals received from the UE 410 on theDPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration.

In some embodiments, the UE 410 may begin uplink transmission on theDPCCH with CELL_DCH configuration before receiving the second UL TPCcommands and may control further uplink transmissions on the DPCCH andinitial or subsequent transmissions on the E-DPCCH and/or E-DPDCHresponsive to the second UL TPC commands when they are received.

Downlink Power Control

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate operations and methods for controlling downlinktransmission power leading up to, during, and following an up-switchbetween operational states (e.g., from the state CELL_FACH to the stateCELL_DCH), which may be unsynchronized, in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates first andsecond sets of physical channels which corresponding to the physicalchannels shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of operationsand methods 1000 that may be performed by the Node B 420 to performdownlink power control during up-switch. FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchartof operations and methods 1100 that may be performed by the UE 410 toperform downlink power control during up-switch.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the Node B 420 and the UE 410 are initially inthe first state where the UE 410 generates (block 1102) estimates ofreceived power levels of signals received on the F-DPCH and/or the DPCCHwith the CELL_FACH configuration, and repetitively transmits responsivefirst DL TPC commands on the DPCCH with the CELL_FACH configuration. TheNode B 420 receives (block 1002) the first DL TPC commands, and controls(block 1004) downlink transmission power of the first UL TPC commandstransmitted on the F-DPCH with the CELL_FACH configuration responsive tothe first DL TPC commands.

The Node B 420 and the UE 410 each receive a message (blocks 1006 and1104) from the radio network controller 130 notifying/instructing themto perform an up-switch from the first state (state CELL_FACH) to thesecond state (state CELL_DCH). The Node B 420 responds to the message bystarting repetitive transmission of the second UL TPC commandstransmitted on the F-DPCH and/or the DPCCH with the CELL_DCHconfiguration while continuing the repetitive transmissions of the firstUL TPC commands transmitted on the F-DPCH with the CELL_FACHconfiguration. The transmission power of the first and second UL TPCcommands is controlled (block 1008) responsive to the ongoing repetitivefirst TPC commands received from the UE 410.

The Node B 420 determines (block 1012) that the UE 410 has stoppeduplink transmissions while the UE 410 switches from the first state tothe second state, in response to an absence of receipt of the first DLTPC commands from the UE 410 for a first time duration. The Node B 420can perform incorrect downlink transmission power control between thetime that the UE 410 stops transmitting DL TPC commands and thecorresponding delayed determination by the Node B 420 that the UE 410has stopped transmission. To allow compensation (e.g., correction) forthe incorrect downlink transmission power control, the Node B 420 cantrack (block 1010) the first DL TPC commands that it has used to controldownlink transmission power during a second time duration prior to thedetermination that the UE 410 has stopped uplink transmissions to theNode B 420. The Node B 420 can then compensate for at least some of thefirst DL TPC commands tracked during the second time duration to adjustits downlink transmission power (block 1014) during the UE transmissiongap. The first time duration may be set equal to the second timeduration, and may be equal to a DTX detection interval of a DTX detectorin the Node B 420.

For example, the Node B 420 may use the tracked first DL TPC commands todetermine (block 1014) a downlink power level that was last commanded bythe UE 410 before it ceased transmission, and control (block 1016) itsdownlink transmission power level during the UE 410 transmission gapresponsive to the determined downlink power level. The Node B 420 maykeep its downlink transmission power level at the determined downlinkpower level during the UE 410 transmission gap, may slowly increase itsdownlink transmission power level (e.g., toward a maximum allowed level)to compensate for a fading channel, or may perform other definedoperations to control its downlink transmission power level relative tothe determined downlink power level.

The Node B 420 may incorrectly determine that the UE 410 has stoppedtransmission (when the UE 410 is actually still transmitting) due to,for example, use of incorrect scrambling codes. In some embodiments, theNode B 420 can use the tracked first DL TPC commands to compensate forany incorrect downlink transmission power control that may have occurredfollowing an initial incorrect determination that the UE 410 has stoppedtransmission while apparently performing an up-switch, when a subsequentdetermination shows that the UE 410 had not stopped transmission.

The UE 410 responds to the message regarding up-switch by monitoringsignals received on the F-DPCH with the CELL_DCH configuration, andestimating (block 1106 of FIG. 11) received power levels of the signals.The UE 410 transmits (block 1108) second DL TPC commands on the DPCCHwith the CELL_DCH configuration responsive to the power level estimates.

As explained above, the UE 410 determines the timing for when it willperform the up-switch responsive to the received message. When the UE410 is ready, it ceases monitoring (block 1110) of the F-DPCH with theCELL_FACH configuration, and initiates monitoring (block 1112) of theF-DPCH and/or DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration to receive thesecond UL TPC commands. The UE 410 asynchronously switches (block 1114)from the first state to the second state without synchronizing with theNode B 420 a timing of when the UE 410 will perform the up-switch. TheUE 410 begins uplink transmission power to the Node B 420 on the DPCCHwith the CELL_DCH configuration while controlling (block 1116)transmission power level responsive to the second UL TPC commands. TheUE 410 may at the same time or later begin uplink transmissions to theNode B 420 on the E-DPCCH and the E-DPDCH with the CELL_DCHconfiguration. The transmission power level on the E-DPCCH and theE-DPDCH may be controlled based on a defined offset power level relativeto a power level of the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration.

The Node B 420 receives (block 1018) a reliable transmission of thesecond DL TPC commands from the UE 410 on the DPCCH with the CELL_DCHconfiguration, and determines that the UE 410 has switched from thefirst state to the second state. The Node B 420 responds to thedetermination by controlling (block 1020) downlink power of transmissionof the second UL TPC commands on the F-DPCH and/or DPCCH with theCELL_DCH configuration responsive to the second DL TPC commands receivedfrom the UE 410 on the DPCCH with the CELL_DCH configuration.

Example User Equipment Node and Network Node Configurations

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the user equipment node (UE) 410 of FIG. 4that is configured according to some embodiments. The UE 410 includes atransceiver 1202, a controller circuit 1204, and a memory device(s) 1206containing functional modules 1208. The UE 410 may further include adisplay 1210, a user input interface 1212, and a speaker 1214.

The transceiver 1202 (e.g., WCDMA, LTE, or other cellular transceiver,Bluetooth transceiver, WiFi transceiver, WiMax transceiver, etc.) isconfigured to communicate with the Node B 420 or another network node ofthe communication system 400 or another communication system. Thecontroller circuit 1204 may include one or more data processingcircuits, such as a general purpose and/or special purpose processor(e.g., microprocessor and/or digital signal processor). The controllercircuit 1204 is configured to execute computer program instructions fromthe functional modules 1208 of the memory device(s) 1206, describedbelow as a computer readable medium, to perform at least some of theoperations and methods of FIGS. 1-11 described herein as being performedby a UE.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the Node B 420 of FIG. 4 or anothernetwork node that is configured according to some embodiments. The NodeB 420 includes a transceiver 1301, a network interface(s) 1302, acontroller circuit 1304, and a memory device(s) 1306 containingfunctional modules 1308.

The transceiver 1301 (e.g., WCDMA, LTE, or other cellular transceiver,Bluetooth transceiver, WiFi transceiver, WiMax transceiver, etc.) isconfigured to communicate with the UE 410 or another node of thecommunication system 400 or another communication system. The controllercircuit 1304 may include one or more data processing circuits, such as ageneral purpose and/or special purpose processor (e.g., microprocessorand/or digital signal processor). The controller circuit 1304 isconfigured to execute computer program instructions from the functionalmodules 1308 of the memory device(s) 1306, described below as a computerreadable medium, to perform at least some of the operations and methodsof FIGS. 1-11 described herein as being performed by a network node. Thenetwork interface 1302 communicates with the radio network controller130 and/or the core network 140.

Further Definitions and Embodiments

In the above-description of various embodiments of the presentinvention, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, allterms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have thesame meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the artto which this invention belongs. It will be further understood thatterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of this specification and the relevant art and will not beinterpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so definedherein.

When a node is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”,“responsive”, or variants thereof to another node, it can be directlyconnected, coupled, or responsive to the other node or intervening nodesmay be present. In contrast, when an node is referred to as being“directly connected”, “directly coupled”, “directly responsive”, orvariants thereof to another node, there are no intervening nodespresent. Like numbers refer to like nodes throughout. Furthermore,“coupled”, “connected”, “responsive”, or variants thereof as used hereinmay include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described indetail for brevity and/or clarity. The term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “comprises”,“include”, “including”, “includes”, “have”, “has”, “having”, or variantsthereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features,integers, nodes, steps, components or functions but does not precludethe presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, nodes,steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as usedherein, the common abbreviation “e.g.”, which derives from the Latinphrase “exempli gratia,” may be used to introduce or specify a generalexample or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intendedto be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation “i.e.”, whichderives from the Latin phrase “id est,” may be used to specify aparticular item from a more general recitation.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods,apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. Itis understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/orflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer programinstructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. Thesecomputer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit ofa general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit,and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine,such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of thecomputer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transformand control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and otherhardware components within such circuitry to implement thefunctions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block orblocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/orflowchart block(s).

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangiblecomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/orflowchart block or blocks.

A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium may include anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor datastorage system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of thecomputer-readable medium would include the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a random access memory (RAM) circuit, a read-onlymemory (ROM) circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory) circuit, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), and a portable digital video disc read-only memory(DVD/BlueRay).

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computerand/or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer and/or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied inhardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signalprocessor, which may collectively be referred to as “circuitry,” “amodule” or variants thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, thefunctions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted inthe flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in factbe executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/actsinvolved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowchartsand/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or thefunctionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or blockdiagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks maybe added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated. Moreover,although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths toshow a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood thatcommunication may occur in the opposite direction to the depictedarrows.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, the present specification, including the drawings, shall beconstrued to constitute a complete written description of variousexample combinations and subcombinations of embodiments and of themanner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims toany such combination or subcombination.

Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments withoutsubstantially departing from the principles of the present invention.All such variations and modifications are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network node of a communications system, thenetwork node comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with auser equipment node, UE; and a controller circuit connected to thetransceiver to transmit and receive, and is configured to repetitivelytransmit first uplink transmission power control, TPC, commands on afirst physical channel with a first channel configuration whilerepetitively transmitting second uplink TPC commands on a secondphysical channel with a second channel configuration, wherein the firstand second uplink TPC commands control uplink transmission power fromthe UE to the network node.
 2. The network node of claim 1, wherein thecontroller circuit is further configured to: repetitively transmit thefirst uplink TPC commands on a first fractional dedicated physicalchannel, F-DPCH, with a CELL_FACH configuration; and repetitivelytransmit the second uplink TPC commands on a second F-DPCH with aCELL_DCH configuration and/or a Dedicated Physical Control CHannel. 3.The network node of claim 2, wherein the controller circuit is furtherconfigured to transmit the first uplink TPC commands on the first F-DPCHwith a different timing, channel scrambling, and/or channel coding thanthe second uplink TPC commands transmitted on the second F-DPCH.
 4. Thenetwork node of claim 1, wherein the controller circuit is furtherconfigured to: initiate the repetitive transmissions of the first uplinkTPC commands; receive a message indicating that the network node and theUE will switch states from a first state controlling uplink transmissionpower responsive to the first uplink TPC commands to a second statecontrolling uplink transmission power responsive to the second uplinkTPC commands; initiate the repetitive transmissions of the second uplinkTPC commands in response to receiving the message and while maintainingthe repetitive transmissions of the first uplink TPC commands; and ceasethe repetitive transmissions of the first uplink TPC commands responsiveto a determination that the UE has switched states.
 5. The network nodeof claim 4, wherein the controller circuit is further configured tocease the repetitive transmissions of the first uplink TPC commands inresponse to detecting that the UE has switched states and is nowtransmitting on a dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH, with aCELL_DCH configuration.
 6. The network node of claim 4, wherein thecontroller circuit is further configured to: control values of the firstuplink TPC commands in response to values of the first uplink TPCcommands until a determination is made that the UE has switched from afirst state of controlling uplink transmission power responsive to thefirst uplink TPC commands to a second state of controlling uplinktransmission power responsive to the second uplink TPC commands; andresponsive to the determination that the UE has switched from the firststate to the second state, control values of the second uplink TPCcommands in response to conditions of an uplink channel from the UE tothe network node.
 7. The network node of claim 1, wherein the controllercircuit is further configured to: receive a message indicating that thenetwork node and the UE will switch from a first state of controllinguplink transmission power responsive to the first uplink TPC commands toa second state of controlling uplink transmission power responsive tothe second uplink TPC commands; determine a target uplink transmissionpower level for the UE to use for an initial uplink transmission afterswitching from the first state to the second state, in response toreceiving the message; and controlling values of the second uplink TPCcommands to cause the UE to transmit the initial uplink transmission atthe target uplink transmission power level.
 8. The network node of claim7, wherein the controller circuit is further configured to determine thetarget uplink transmission power level in response to a present uplinktransmission power level of the UE in the first state and a differencein transmission time interval, channel coding, and/or communicationservice of the UE between the first state and the second state.
 9. Thenetwork node of claim 1, wherein the controller circuit is furtherconfigured to: receive a message indicating that the network node andthe UE will switch from a first state of controlling uplink transmissionpower responsive to the first uplink TPC commands to a second state ofcontrolling uplink transmission power responsive to the second uplinkTPC commands; receive first downlink TPC commands from the UE on a thirdphysical channel with a third channel configuration while the UEoperates in the first state; and control downlink transmission power ofthe first and second uplink TPC commands transmitted from the networknode to the UE in response to the first downlink TPC commands.
 10. Thenetwork node of claim 9, wherein the controller circuit is furtherconfigured to respond to a determination that the UE has switched fromthe first state to the second state by controlling downlink transmissionpower of the second uplink TPC commands transmitted from the networknode to the UE in response to second downlink TPC commands received fromthe UE on a fourth physical channel having a fourth channelconfiguration.
 11. The network node of claim 10, wherein: the thirdphysical channel is a dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH, with aCELL_FACH configuration; and the fourth physical channel is anotherDPCCH with a CELL_DCH configuration.
 12. The network node of claim 9,wherein the controller circuit is further configured to: determine thatthe UE has stopped uplink transmissions to the network node, while theUE switches from the first state to the second state, in response to anabsence of receipt of first downlink TPC commands from the UE for afirst time duration; track the first downlink TPC commands that havebeen used by the network node to control downlink transmission powerduring a second time duration prior to the determination that the UE hasstopped uplink transmissions to the network node; determine a downlinktransmission power level that was last commanded by the UE beforestopping uplink transmissions in response to the first downlink TPCcommands tracked during the second time duration; and control downlinktransmission power to the UE responsive to the determined downlinktransmission power while the UE has stopped uplink transmissions. 13.The network node of claim 12, wherein the first time duration is equalto the second time duration.
 14. The network node of claim 9, whereinthe controller circuit is further configured to: maintain the downlinktransmission power of the second uplink TPC commands transmitted fromthe network node to the UE at a constant power level relative to thefirst uplink TPC commands until determining that the UE has switchedfrom the first state to the second state.
 15. A user equipment node, UE,comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network nodeof a communication system; and a controller circuit connected to thetransceiver to transmit and receive, and is configured to receive amessage from the network node commanding the UE to switch from a firststate, that controls uplink transmission power to the network noderesponsive to first uplink transmission power control, TPC, commandsreceived on a first physical channel with a first channel configuration,to a second state, that controls uplink transmission power to thenetwork node responsive to second uplink TPC commands received on asecond physical channel with a second channel configuration; and respondto the message by beginning uplink transmission at a power that iscontrolled by the second uplink TPC commands received from the networknode following a UE uplink transmission gap while switching from thefirst state to the second state.
 16. The UE of claim 15, wherein thecontroller circuit is further configured to respond to the message byceasing monitoring of the first physical channel for the first uplinkTPC commands and initiating monitoring of the second physical channelfor the second uplink TPC commands while switching from the first stateto the second state.
 17. The UE of claim 15, wherein the controllercircuit is further configured to respond to the message byasynchronously switching from the first state to the second statewithout synchronizing with the network node a timing of when the UE willperform the state switching.
 18. The UE of claim 15, wherein thecontroller circuit is further configured to: control uplink transmissionpower to the network node responsive to the first uplink TPC commandsreceived on a first fractional dedicated physical channel, F-DPCH, witha CELL_FACH configuration; and control uplink transmission power to thenetwork node responsive to the second uplink TPC commands received on asecond F-DPCH and/or a dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH, with aCELL_DCH configuration.
 19. The UE of claim 15, wherein the controllercircuit is further configured to: estimate received power levels ofsignals received on the first physical channel and transmit responsivefirst downlink TPC commands on a third physical channel with a thirdchannel configuration to the network node to regulate power of the firstuplink TPC commands transmitted from the network node; and respond tothe message by estimating received power levels of signals received onthe second physical channel and transmitting responsive second downlinkTPC commands on a fourth physical channel with a fourth channelconfiguration to the network node to regulate power of the second uplinkTPC commands transmitted from the network node while switching from thefirst state to the second state.
 20. The UE of claim 19, wherein: thethird physical channel is a dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH,with a CELL_FACH configuration; and the fourth physical channel isanother DPCCH with a CELL_DCH configuration.
 21. A method for powercontrol in a network node that communications with a user equipmentnode, UE, in a communications system, the method comprising:repetitively transmitting first uplink transmission power control, TPC,commands on a first physical channel with a first channel configurationwhile repetitively transmitting second uplink TPC commands on a secondphysical channel with a second channel configuration, wherein the firstand second uplink TPC commands control uplink transmission power fromthe UE to the network node.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein: thefirst uplink TPC commands are transmitted on a first fractionaldedicated physical channel, F-DPCH, with a CELL_FACH configuration; andthe second uplink TPC commands are transmitted on a second F-DPCH with aCELL_DCH configuration.
 23. A method for power control in a userequipment node, UE, that communicates with a network node in acommunications system, the method comprising: receiving a message fromthe network node commanding the UE to switch from a first state, thatcontrols uplink transmission power to the network node responsive tofirst uplink TPC commands received on a first physical channel with afirst channel configuration, to a second state, that controls uplinktransmission power to the network node responsive to second uplink TPCcommands received on a second physical channel with a second channelconfiguration; and responding to the message by beginning uplinktransmission at a power that is controlled by the second uplink TPCcommands received from the network node following a UE uplinktransmission gap while switching from the first state to the secondstate.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first uplink TPC arereceived on a first fractional dedicated physical channel, F-DPCH, witha CELL_FACH configuration, wherein the second uplink TPC are received ona second F-DPCH and/or a dedicated physical control channel, DPCCH, witha CELL_DCH configuration, and further comprising responding to themessage by ceasing monitoring of the first F-DPCH for the first uplinkTPC commands and initiating monitoring of the second F-DPCH and/or theDPCCH for the second uplink TPC commands while switching from the firststate to the second state.